The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacParlan family. The root of their name is the personal nameParlan, which is the Gaelic equivalent of Bartholomew. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Pharlain.

MacParlan Early Origins

The surname MacParlan was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, where they were descended from the ancient Chief Allan, son of Farlane and settled in Strathdonn in Aberdeenshire about the 9th century.

MacParlan Spelling Variations

MacParlan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. MacParlan has appeared in various documents spelled MacFarlane, MacFarlain, MacFarlan, MacFarland, MacParlan, MacParland, MacPartland, MacPartlin, MacPharlane, MacPharlin, MacPharlan and many more.

MacParlan Early History

MacParlan Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacParlan research. Another 625 words (45 lines of text) covering the years 1395, 1395 and are included under the topic Early MacParlan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacParlan Early Notables (pre 1700)

MacParlan Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early MacParlan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacParlan In Ireland

MacParlan In Ireland

Some of the MacParlan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 161 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Ancestors of many of the Dalriadan families who crossed the Atlantic still live along the east coast of the United States and Canada. Some Scottish settlers arrived in Canada during the American War of Independence as United Empire Loyalists, while others stayed south to fight for a new nation. The descendants of Scottish settlers in both countries began to rediscover their heritage in the 19th and 20th centuries through Clan societies and highland games. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name MacParlan or a variant listed above: John MacFarlan settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1766; Alexander, Andrew, Daniel, Hugh, George, Henry, James, John, Mary, Patrick, Robert and William MacFarland all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

Paul, Sir James Balfour. An Ordinary of Arms Contained in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland Second Edition. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1903. Print.

Innes, Thomas and Learney. Socts Heraldry A Practical Handbook on the Historical Principles and Modern Application of the Art of Science. London: Oliver and Boyd, 1934. Print.

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The MacParlan Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The MacParlan Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.